NIOS Class 10 Science Activity 16.1 Electrical Energy

This activity shows frictional or static electricity and demonstrates how objects can become charged and show electrostatic effects.

Electrical Energy Activity

This activity is based on the NIOS Class 10 science and technology (212) Chapter 16- Electrical Energy, Module 4.

Attraction of Paper Bits by Rubbing a Balloon or a Pen

Aim

To observe how objects acquire an electric charge on rubbing

Materials used

1.  A plastic pen

2. Inflated balloon

3. Pieces of dry paper

4. Sweater or hair

Procedure

Dolly spread some bits of paper on the table and asks her sister Jolly to lift them using a pen or balloon. Jolly brings a pen and a balloon one by one near the pieces of paper, but nothing happens.

Now Dolly takes the pen and rubs it on her sweater, then brings the bits of paper. The pieces of paper jump or are attracted towards the pen.

Now Dolly takes an inflated balloon and rubs it on her dry hair, and again the bits of paper get attracted.

Finally, Dolly rubs the pen between her palms and brings it near the paper pieces, but this time nothing happens.

Observation

Through this activity, we observe that:

    1.  A rubbed pen or balloon attracts bits of paper.

    2. An unrubbed pen or balloon does not attract the pieces of paper.

    3.  A rubbed pen loses its property when it is being rolled between palms.

Explanation

When the pen or balloon is rubbed with hair or a sweater, it acquires an electric charge due to friction, which creates an electrostatic force. This force attracts the bits of paper.

When the pen is rolled between palms, the charge gets discharged into the earth through the human body.

Metals can be charged by rubbing when they are held in an insulating material, such as a handle.

Conclusion

We can conclude that some objects acquire an electric charge on rubbing and attract light objects. But when these charged objects come in contact with conducting materials, the charge leaks away to the earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

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    1. What is the science behind this ‘magic’ in this activity?

Answer- This is magic, which is actually an electrostatic force.

   2. Why do bits of paper stick to the rubbed pen?

Answer - A Rubbed pen has an electric charge due to friction, so do the bits of paper.

   3. Why does the pen rolled between palms not attract bits of paper?

Answer – The charge of the pen leaks into the body and passes into the earth.

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